COWDENBEATH police officer Euan Henderson not only retained the British Police Snooker Singles title at the National Police Championships, but also managed a notable milestone by achieving a maximum break of 147 in a game against a fellow Scottish qualifier from Dumfries and Galloway in the round-robin aspect of the event.

The maximum break is amassed by potting all 15 reds with 15 blacks for 120 points, then all six colours for a further 27 points. To put this in context, the maximum break has only been achieved 77 times in professional competition and had not been previously attained in the police event.

Euan (43) joined Fife Constabulary in 2003, although prior to this had been a professional snooker player for a time, and is currently based in West Fife as a constable operating in the Cowdenbeath Policing Area.

In winning the title for a unique third consecutive year, Euan was presented with silverware, the Bristol Bowl together with framed certificates marking his hat trick of titles and the maximum 147. As a coincidence, the Bristol Bowl bears the name of another officer, Ray Reardon, who on leaving the police in the early 1960's, went on to a successful career in snooker, dominating the sport in the 1970's by winning the World title no fewer than six times.

Euan, who was clearly delighted with his performance, but particularly the 147 break, highlighted, "I was previously a professional snooker player but have never scored the maximum at a championship, although have done so about eight times as a pro during practice sessions." To emphasis the achievement, Euan added, "It was a nice to complete the 147, but being crowned British Champion for the third consecutive year and bringing the title back to Scotland, is also an honour as I was representing the Scottish Police Service as well as Fife Constabulary." Euan received his trophy and certificates from Mr Philip Gormley, Chief Constable of Norfolk Constabulary, and Ms Sallyanne Gooch, Director of Group Sales, Potters Leisure Resort.